New Jersey race will happen…eventually

As expected plans for the New Jersey race for 2013 were shelved over the weekend.

Plans for Formula One to head to New York City for the Grand Prix of America were initially announced 12 months ago.

A 3.2-mile street circuit by the Hudson River, incorporate existing roads through Port Imperial and the Palisades in Weehawken and West New York.

It had been Ecclestone’s dream to have a race with the Manhattan skyline in the backdrop creating a truly stunning location.

But despite being included in the provisional calender for the 2013 Formula One World Championship, event organisers announced that it just wasn’t ready to host the race in June next year after a whole host of problems, mainly down to lack funding.

With organisers struggling due to the financing problem, the preparations for the race had fallen behind schedule, which led to the announcement coming from Grand Prix of America promoter Leo Hindery Jnr.

‘We promised Governor Christie [New Jersey Governor Chris Christie], the towns [of Weehawken and West New York], the sport and its international fans the best possible experience,’ he told the BBC.

‘Unfortunately, we need additional time to ensure that happens.

‘But we remain 100 per cent committed to the Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial, and the race could have no better partner and friend than the CEO of Formula 1, Bernie Ecclestone.

Formula One supremo Ecclestone later told Autosport Magazine: ‘I remain totally committed to the Port Imperial race and its unique location and attributes, and we will continue to work closely together to realise our dream in 2014,’

With the New Jersey race withdrawing from the 2013 Formula One World Championship, it opens up a date for an additional race to be added into the provisional calendar set for 2013.

Ecclestone is known to like the idea of a 20 race season, however it is widely believed that the New Jersey race will not be replaced as it was scheduled to take place just one week after the Canadian Grand Prix, so logistically it would be difficult to replace the event and so next season we will be set for a 19 race championship.